I am new to this forum and this is my first post.I am glad I found this forum as I have questions regarding Buddha's Name recitation that I have failed to find the answers so far.

I have been practicing recitation of Amitabha since 2010. Being an ethnic chinese, I started reciting "阿彌陀佛" as how every chinese cultivator pronounces the name. However, as time went by, I found reciting 'Amitabha Buddha' in English pronunciation much easier. This is especially so, when I am doing silent recitation. For some unknown reason(s), I find it difficult to pronounce the syallabus "陀" in my mind during silent recitation.

The question I would like to ask is: can one pronounce 'Amitabha Buddha' instead of "阿彌陀佛" for one's cultivation? Or is this a must that one uses "阿彌陀佛"?

The sutra doesn't specify which language you need to recite Amida's name in, does it? The practice works in Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Tibetan... there's no reason why it shouldn't work in English too, if you are motivated by earnest intentions and an attitude of devotion.

Yes you can and btw, 'Amitabha Buddha' is Sanskrit...One English translation of that is 'Infinite Light Awakened One'...

http://www.drba.org/dharma/amitabhasutra.aspShariputra, what do you think? Why is this Buddha called Amitabha? Shariputra, the brilliance of that Buddha's light is measureless, illumining the lands of the ten directions everywhere without obstruction. For this reason he is called Amitabha.

plwk wrote:Yes you can and btw, 'Amitabha Buddha' is Sanskrit...One English translation of that is 'Infinite Light Awakened One'...

http://www.drba.org/dharma/amitabhasutra.aspShariputra, what do you think? Why is this Buddha called Amitabha? Shariputra, the brilliance of that Buddha's light is measureless, illumining the lands of the ten directions everywhere without obstruction. For this reason he is called Amitabha.

If you want to keep to the semi-traditional six syllables, 'Praise Buddha Boundless Life Light [or Life]' also works as a translation.

Personally, I use the Sanskrit "Namo Amitābhāya Tathāgatāya". I include the "Namo" (take refuge) bit as I have learned that it is more respectful. However, I believe there is nothing wrong with just reciting "Amitābhbha Tathāgata" or "Amitābha Buddha".